(Revised) Strike action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE): Vitalité Health Network must adjust its service offer
Vitalité Health Network, Sunday, October 31, 2021
Due to the strike action by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) health care workers, Vitalité Health Network must reduce the level of patient care and services across its hospitals and health care facilities. Contingency plans have been activated in all facilities and points of service.
The Network’s objective is to maximize its service offer during the strike, but temporary reductions are to be expected, especially for less urgent cases, because of the staff reduction. Service levels may vary from one region to another based on local conditions and capacities.
- Inpatient care: Care and services provided to inpatients are maintained in all our hospitals.
- Emergency departments: All emergency rooms are open.
- Surgical services: Reduced activities.
- Ambulatory care services: Reduced activities.
- Oncology and Hemodialysis services: Services are maintained.
- Professional services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, nutrition): Reduced activities.
- Phlebotomy (bloodwork): Patients whose case is not urgent or who can wait are asked not to come to the hospital for their bloodwork.
- COVID-19 vaccination clinics: Offered as scheduled; check our website and social media platforms often for updates. Note that during the strike, all vaccination clinics are by appointment only.
- Rapid-test kit pick-up sites: Some sites may be closed. Check our website and social media platforms before going to a site to pick up a kit.
- Visitors: Visits are prohibited in all our hospitals, except for some exceptions that will be allowed on a case-by-case basis for designated support persons.
Patients who have an appointment may present for their appointment at the scheduled date and time. The Network will contact the patients whose appointment must be postponed.
The Network is evaluating the impact of the labour dispute on its service offer on an ongoing basis and will inform the public of any changes. The Network is committed to provide essential health care services to its patients and clients for the entire duration of the strike.
Vitalité Health Network thanks patients, their families, and the public for being understanding and patient during this difficult strike period. Our priority remains to provide safe, quality care.
